The Grand, York

As rail travel grew in prominence and importance during the 19th century, several companies made their stake and prospered as the world industrialized. The North Eastern Railway Company was one such organization, and by the dawn of the 20th century, it had grown considerably that the owners desired a headquarters that reflected the company's stature. They commissioned William Bell to design the building, who was also the North Eastern Railway's chief architect for many of its grand stations. Horace Field, a prominent architect known for his Wrenaissance designs, was hired to work with Bell to design the interiors. Construction began in 1900 and was completed in 1906, affectionately dubbed the "Palace of Business" of the North Eastern Railway.

As the rail travel industry declined due to the advent of airplanes, the headquarters also fell to neglect and vacancy. It wouldn't be until 2007 that the Cedar Court Group acquired the grand building, immediately beginning restoration efforts. Renovations and modernizations were completed in 2010, and The Grand, York, opened to much fanfare as York's first five-star hotel. The hotel has won several accolades and recognition over the years; some particularly prestigious ones are from The AA, such as the highly coveted Three AA Rosettes for the Legacy restaurant, and One AA Rosette for The Rise brasserie.

When the North Eastern Railway headquarters were built in 1906, the intent was to show off the power and accomplishments of the company. William Bell and Horace Field designed the edifice in the Edwardian Baroque Revival style, known colloquially as the Wrenaissance style. Protected as a Grade II listed building, the facade shows off common Edwardian conventions such as the use of red bricks and cream-colored Portland stone. Double glazing was also used for the windows as an early method of noise cancellation. Both the exteriors and interiors were embellished with wrought-iron railings, while oak panelling and decorative plasterwork lined the halls and spaces.

While the hotel has mostly modernized, it has embraced many of the preserved features and tastefully integrated them into the overall aesthetic. The lobby, for example, has a similar atmosphere to an early 1900s establishment. The guestrooms, while outfitted in contemporary styles, also have a vintage atmosphere to them. Select rooms have also been outfitted with accessibility features, ensuring guests with needs are welcomed and served. These include wheelchair-friendly bathrooms with fixtures like grab rails for assistance.

Legacy

The Grand's most prestigious restaurant is Legacy, boasting the most exquisite fine dining cuisine in all of York. Led by Executive Chef Kevin Bonello and Head Chef Ahmed Abdalla, the kitchens of Legacy prepare the freshest ingredients and turn them into wondrous dishes that represent British favorites, beloved cultural adaptations, and creative new flavors. Legacy is also one of the three restaurants in York that proudly wear the distinction of Three AA Rosettes, signifying it as a paragon among the city's food industry.

Dinners come mainly in the form of curated course meals and tasting menus, paired with vintages carefully chosen by Sommelier Derek Scaife. Also available are special Weekend Lunch menus, with specialties like North Sea pollock and dry-aged beef steak.

Opening hours:
Tasting Menu: Wednesday to Sunday: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Weekend Lunch: Saturday & Sunday: 12 pm - 2 pm

Reservations are required and can be made via the hotel's official website.

The Rise

While Legacy elevates dining into an idealized experience, The Rise offers a refined yet down-to-earth approach to nourishment. Like with Legacy, Executive Head Chef Kevin Bonello leads the team at The Rise, accompanied by Executive Sous Chef Manoj Nair and Head Pastry Chef Devin Jones. Under their supervision, the restaurant features an open kitchen in full view of diners, inviting guests to partake in the sights and sounds of the culinary process.

Breakfasts and dinners have their own menus, each dish representing the region's delicacies and ingredients prepared in gourmet fashion. They offer a special Best of Yorkshire tasting menu, with each item paired with a specially chosen wine. Chef Jones also plans and prepares the day's Afternoon Tea service, whipping up the most sinful desserts and savory bites that will best match the tea blends. Last but not least, The Rise also celebrates every last Thursday of each month with a Jazz Nights dinner service, inviting guests to indulge in wonderful York cuisine as the city's best jazz musicians perform.

Opening hours:
Breakfast: 7 am – 10:30 am
Afternoon tea: 12:30 pm – 4 pm
Dinner: 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm

1906

The year 1906 was a special year for the hotel, as it was that same year construction was completed, and the North Eastern Railway Company opened its headquarters. The bar is an ode back to that era that full of promise, featuring a vintage atmosphere and a menu of classic mixes. Their food menu includes plenty of delicious snacks and plates that suit the drinks available. There's even a children's menu, for younglings who have an old soul and also enjoy the conviviality of classy spaces like this bar. On Fridays and Saturdays, 1906 lights up with live performances from local artists, letting you indulge in your meals and drinks with soothing music.

Opening hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 9 am - 1 am
Friday & Saturday: 9 am - 2 am

Weddings are a grand affair, so it makes sense to celebrate them in an equally magnificent setting. At The Grand, York, your matrimony is graciously welcomed with the hotel's bespoke packages on offer. You can hold small, intimate ceremonies with the Just The Two Of Us package, or prepare an impressive wedding gala via the Grand Affair package. Regardless of which one you choose, you'll have the full support of a highly experienced wedding coordinator and their team. Also aboard to make your Happily Ever After all the more memorable are the hotel's staff, from the distinguished gentlemen on the front door to the kitchen teams led by Executive Chef Kevin Bonello.

You'll have three main venues to choose from, all of which are perfect for ostentatiously large or comfortably small gatherings. The Grand Boardroom lets you revel in splendor alongside 120 guests, offering wood-paneled walls anda tall ceiling with glistening chandeliers. The Chairman's Suite and the Legacy restaurant both accommodate 30 guests, dressed in sophistication but cozy enough for your closest guests in attendance.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

The Grand, York, is one of the best places to stay if you're looking to experience what the ancient city of York has to offer. But before heading out, it's worth checking the seasonal experiences available at the hotel. The Grand is well-known for its Cookery School, providing masterclasses for a wide variety of culinary disciplines, from making pastries, steaks, and even beef wellingtons. The hotel also has a long-standing partnership with St Leonard’s Hospice, inviting guests to share in delicate and compassionate moments with those who have life-limiting conditions.

When you're ready to head out, you can explore York's ancient sites and modern wonders. Its original name was Eboracum, a Roman stronghold that eventually grew into a settlement. Travelers can visit the city's defensive walls, dating back to the Roman Era, with parts upgraded during the Middle Ages. Another fantastic spot for history fans is the Yorkshire Museum, which showcases a large number of exhibits ranging from Roman, Viking, and Medieval times. While here, check out the upcoming competitions at the York Racecourse, which is home to prestigious Group 1 horse races like the Juddmonte International Stakes and the Yorkshire Oaks.

Why not celebrate an amazing celebration while spending it at The Grand, York? The hotel offers a selection of beautiful venues and services that might be what you're looking for. For an intimate dinner, you can book a private table at any of the hotel's restaurants. For a moderate-sized gathering, you can book one of the suites or lounges for the event, such as for anniversaries, baby showers, or reunions. A large gala, such as a corporate conference, can make full use of the spectacular Grand Boardroom, the hotel's biggest venue.

The hotel's events team doesn't just handle weddings; they'll also be on board when it comes to the planning and coordination for your event. They'll also be happy to assist if you're looking to avail additional services through the hotel's partners, such as for activities or entertainment.